Thiel College - Information Technology

Logging in to Thiel's network from a Lab Computer Log on screen
To log in to the network, enter your user name and password in the Microsoft Networking box. Your user name is your ID number, without any leading zeros. For example, an ID number of 0009099 would be 9099 to log into the network. Once you log into the network, several drive letters are mapped to network directories. The J: drive is your personal directory on the network. Security prevents other users from accessing information in this directory. NOTE: You will not see this box to log in to the network from your IBM Thinkpad.
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To change your network password from a Thiel Lab Computer
In order to change your password, you must first log in on a lab computer.
(Lab computers can be found in AC 36, AC 35, and the HMSC.)
1. Press Ctrl, Alt and Delete on the keyboard.
2. A windows security screen will appear.
3. Click on Change Password…
4. Enter your old password and your new password in the designated areas.
5. Click Ok.
*This will change all of your Thiel network, email and TC Login passwords, but NOT your Blackboard password.
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To change your network password from your IBM Thinkpad
1. Log in to your Outlook Web Access (https://webmail.thiel.edu/)
2. On the left side of the screen, at the bottom, there are several icons. Click on the last one on the right to enter Options.
3. Scroll to the bottom, and click on Change Password.
4. In the Domain box, type "thiel" without the quotes. The Account is your Thiel ID Number. Type in your old password, and then your new password in their respective boxes, and click Ok.
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To change your Black Board Learning System password
1.Click on the following link to change or reset your password.
http://courses.thiel.edu/webapps/blackboard/password
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Connecting to the network from your residence hall room
1. In order to login to your Thiel network account, you must double click the Thiel College Network Login icon on the lower right hand side of your desktop. (Note: This feature is available from on campus only.)
2. Enter your Thiel student identification number and password, click OK. NOTE: If the error message, “Log on Failure: Unknown User Name or Bad Password,” appears you have entered your name or password incorrectly. Your password is case sensitive. Please try again. If the error message, “Network Path is not found” appears, please be sure your green cable is properly connected to both the notebook and the wall jack. If this does not work, please contact the Help Desk at extension 4000.
3. At this point you should be able to access your personal “J” drive account. You may test this by double clicking the My Computer icon in the top left hand corner of your desktop.
4. Double click the icon located next to “[your student ID number] on ‘data’ (J:).” Your files and folders should appear.
5. Any time that you restart your ThinkPad, you must repeat steps 1 and 2 to access your personal “J” drive.
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Modems?
If you wish to connect to our network you do NOT need a modem for your computer. Your connection will be made by plugging your network patch cable (NOT a phone cable) into the wall jack labeled for the computer.
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Where to go for help
If you have a problem with your notebook you may call the Information Technology help desk at ext. 4000. The help desk is normally supported by student workers between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Thursday and Friday 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you get a voice mail response please leave your name, phone number and a brief description of your technological problem. We will return your call. Please do not try to fix the problem yourself.
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When do I get my computer?
Freshmen will receive their computers at a time to be determined by the Freshmen Year Experience and Orientation schedule. All other returning students will be able to pick up their notebook by calling ext. 4000 and setting up an appointment.
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What kind of contract or agreement do I have to sign?
A contract was mailed to all incoming students to sign and return. If you did not receive a copy you will have to sign one when you pickup you notebook.
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Will I use my computer in every class?
No. The amount you will use your notebook in your classes will depend upon the individual instructors.
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Do I have to be a computer whiz?
No. Anyone who is comfortable with using web browsers and word processing will be able to use the computer effectively. General instructional material will be provided if needed. Again if you need help call ext.4000.
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What kind of computer will I use?
Each student will be provided with an IBM notebook. The notebook will include a CD-RW/DVD combo drive, Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Office 2003, and anti-virus software.
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Will my notebook support external hardware (keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.)?
Yes. USB peripherals (such as mouse or keyboard) will be supported, as well as both USB printers.
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What software and operating system will I use?
Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Office 2003 are the primary software packages.
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Will I have the option of a Windows or Mac platform?
No. The College is standardized on the Windows platform for student computing.
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Will Thiel update the operating system or software?
While you are a Thiel student, the major software updates will be provided to you.
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Will my computer and software become outdated during my years of study?
No. In order to avoid this situation, the College has instituted a three year refresh in which each student will receive a new computer before their fourth year of study.
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Do I own the computer?
While a student, the computer will remain the property of Thiel College and must be returned if degree requirements are not met. However, upon successful completion of your degree requirements, the College will pass the title of the computer to you.
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Will I get to keep my computer over the summer?
Yes. The exceptions are that the computer must remain in the United States and that you must be registered for the fall semester before leaving campus for the summer. If you do not you will billed the buyout cost of the compter and if you do return it or register for claases during the summer you will be billed $5.00 per day up to the cost of the computer.
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Can I connect to the network from home?
No. Not directly to the network. You will be able to access web mail and the Blackboard learning system but not your network storage or classes and departments folders.
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What if I have problems with my computer?
The College will serve as the warranty administrator for notebook repairs. If a problem occurs while on campus, you will be directed to the campus notebook Support Center. If the problem occurs while you are off campus, please call (724) 589-4000 for further instruction.
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What if I have a problem with the computer I brought from home?
With the implementation of the notebook program, it is no longer possible for the Information Technology Staff to continue providing support for any computers that are not owned by the college.
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Do I need a printer?
No. Access to public printers will be provided through the network (instructions on how will be provided). However, if you wish to use your own personal printer, you must provide your own.
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Can I bring my own computer?
Yes. However, please know that any computer you bring must meet the Colleges security standards for virus protection. There will be a $50.00 setup fee.
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What are the advantages to the program?
The major advantage is that all students will have access to the same technology. Instructors may use this feature as they produce new course material.
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How much will this cost me?
There is a per year Technology fee that will be assessed to all full time and Part time students. (Current fees available from Thiel College financial services.)
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What if I transfer or do not graduate?
Under the terms of the program agreement, students who transfer or do not graduate must return the notebook and all equipment. Alternately, you may elect to purchase the equipment at the balance to be determined by how long you have been enrolled in the program.
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What accessories come with my notebook?
You will be provided with a power supply, an Ethernet cable for your notebook. Note: a floppy drive is not provided, however CD-R/CD-RWs and USB Keys for storage will be available for purchase.
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What do I do if my notebook is damaged?
If your notebook is damaged, report it immediately to the notebook Support Center.
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What do I do if my notebook is stolen?
If your notebook is stolen, immediately contact Public Safety or your local police authorities. You will need to complete a police report as soon as you realize what has happened. Notify Notebook support center immediately. The College recommends adding theft/loss insurance to your notebook.
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Where do I go for maintenance?
Contact the notebook Support center if you need any repairs. Ext. 4000
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Do I have to pay for repairs to my notebook?
If repairs are not covered under warranty, you will be responsible for any cost associated.
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Can I add additional hardware/software to my notebook?
Yes, as long as you are licensed to use the software you may add it to your notebook.
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How will I learn to use my notebook?
You could elect to enroll in the Computer Science 111 through 113 courses to learn Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Access). Contact ext. 4000 for more information.
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What if I want a more powerful computer?
The computers provided in this program are appropriate to needs for academic computing. As always, you have the option of providing an additional computer as long as it meets the security guidelines set by the College for virus protection.
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What if I live off campus? Will I be issued a notebook, and can I connect to the Thiel network?
Yes, you will be issued a notebook, based on your status as a full time or part time student. You will be able to access the Thiel network from home provided that you have your own Internet Service Provider granting you Internet access.
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Should I buy insurance to cover loss, theft, or damage to my notebook?
Yes, you should. Information on your options for this insurance will be provided to you by Student Services.
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Will I still have to pay a technology fee?
Yes. The technology fee supports the cabling infrastructure on campus, as well as the cable television, telephone services and notebook program.
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Where on campus will I be able to access the network?
You will be provided with wireless access from any of the academic public spaces on campus, including the Academic Center, Greenville Hall, the Library, and the Howard Miller Student Center. Each student will also have a wired connection in their room.
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Can I take my notebook to class?
Individual instructors will establish their own policies for notebook use in class.
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Can I take my notebook if I study abroad or off-campus?
At this time, notebooks must remain in the United States.
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Will I be able to back-up my information on the network / is my data protected?
You should plan to back-up your information onto CD media, using the provided CD-RW drive. Your network storage will not provide sufficient space for you to back-up your files, but can be used for document storage.
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What if I have a disability and can't use a notebook?
The Office of Special Needs will work with students to assure their access to computing services.
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What does it mean to "reimage" a notebook?
Reimaging a notebook is similar to reformatting a disk. Any information stored on the computer will be erased. Please back-up your files to prevent major losses of data should something happen to your notebook.
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What is my login the first time I use Blackboard?
Your username to log in to Blackboard is your Thiel ID number (the same number you use to log in to the network). The first time you log in your password will also be your Thiel ID number. Please change your password as soon as you log in for the first time!
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How do I change my password?
Once you are logged in, click on Personal Information at the left side of the page. Then click Change Password and type your new password in the boxes. Click Submit. Note: Your Blackboard password does not have to be the same as your network password and will not change if your network password is changed.
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What if I forget my password?
On the login page, under the username and password boxes, there is a link that says “Forgot Password?” Click on this link and fill in the information it asks for. Instructions will be sent to your email address for how to reset your password.
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How will I know if my classes are on Blackboard?
After you log in, you will be at the Welcome Page. At the right, there is a box called My Courses. This box will have links to each of the classes you are enrolled in. Note: If you need to return to this page to enter another course after you have already entered one, click the tab at the top of the page called Thiel Online Learning.
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Where can I find instructions on using Blackboard?
Once logged in to Blackboard, there is a Help button at the top of the page. This link will take you directly to the Student User Manual.
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